Delhi High Court Upholds Termination Of Probationary DHJS Judge Over Viral Video, Says Action Not Stigmatic

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition filed by a probationary officer of the Delhi Higher Judicial Service (DHJS) challenging the termination of his services following circulation of a viral courtroom video, holding that the decision was a termination simpliciter based on overall unsuitability, and not a punitive or stigmatic action.A Division Bench comprising Justice Anil Kshetarpal and Justice Amit Mahajan upheld the validity of the notification dated October 10, 2024 and the...

'Toilet Facilities Are Basic Human Rights Under Article 21: Bombay HC Directs Civic Body To Improve Sanitation In Mumbai's Slum Areas

The Bombay High Court has held that access to adequate sanitation and toilet facilities constitutes a basic human right forming an integral part of the right to life and dignity guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, even in slum areas created by encroachment on municipal land. The Court observed that once large populations reside in slums, whether authorised or unauthorised, the Municipal Corporation cannot abdicate its statutory and constitutional obligations to provide and maintain...

Allahabad High Court Imposes ₹1 Lakh Cost Over 'Reckless' Claim That Judge Issued NBW On An Advocate's Persuasion

Taking a stern view against two litigants who claimed that the Trial Judge had issued a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) against them under the 'persuasion' of the complainant's advocate brother, the Allahabad High Court has dismissed a transfer plea with an exemplary cost of Rs. 1 Lakh. A bench of Justice Samit Gopal observed that the applicants had sworn the affidavit on a "perusal...

"Entire Auction & Bidding Process Was Rigged": Bombay High Court Quashes Sale Of Property, Orders Forfeiture Of Deposit By Bidders

The Bombay High Court has ordered a fresh 'revaluation' of a prime property at Mumbai's Vile Parle area after finding that the initial process of auction of the plot was 'rigged' with bidders coming a 'syndicate' and 'under-bidding' for the property.Single-judge Justice Madhav Jamdar therefore while ordering fresh auction, ordered forfeiture of the Rs 10 lakh each Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) by five bidders, till further orders. The bench dealt with a report of the Deputy Sheriff of Mumbai,...

'Can't Turn Nelson's Eye To Minor Victim's Ordeal': Bombay High Court Refuses To Reduce Sentence Of 83 Yr-Old Rape Convict

The Bombay High Court (Goa Bench) recently upheld the conviction and refused to reduce the 10-year sentence awarded to an 83-year-old man convicted of sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl in 2012. A bench of Justice Shreeram V Shirsat said that the age of the Appellant could not be a mitigating circumstance to reduce the sentence in such offences as the Court can't "turn a Nelson's eye" to the age of the victim and the ordeal the victim has undergone. In its 63-page order, the High...

POCSO Probes Must Be Child-Friendly; Sensitise Investigators To Ensure 'Truth Emerges Without Ambiguity': Gauhati High Court

The Gauhati High Court has stressed that investigations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act must be conducted with sensitivity and strict adherence to child-friendly procedures, observing that failure to provide counselling support, appoint support persons and record clear, specific statements may defeat the very cause of justice. The Court cautioned that defective or casual investigations not only prejudice the accused but may also result in acquittals even where...

Municipality Cannot Benefit Private Party At Cost Of State; Disposal Of Public Property Must Be In Public Interest & Free From Bias: Gujarat HC

The Gujarat High Court has held that the State and municipal authorities cannot act in a manner that benefits a private party at the cost of public property, and that any such action would be unreasonable and contrary to public interest. The Court observed that public authorities are bound by the doctrine of public trust and cannot alienate municipal land in an arbitrary manner.A Single Judge Bench of Justice J. C. Doshi was hearing the second appeal arising from a suit for specific performance...

Kerala HC Reserves Verdict In Plea Challenging Centre's Order Allowing Old Labour Courts To Function After Enactment Of New Industrial Code

The Kerala High Court on Friday (06 February) reserved its judgment in the petition challenging a Central Government notification that permits Labour Courts and Industrial Tribunals constituted under the repealed Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 to continue adjudicating cases even after the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 came into force.Justice Gopinath P heard the arguments of both the parties and reserved for orders. A notification dated December 8, 2025, was issued by the Ministry of Labour and...

Ensure Day-To-Day Recording Of Testimony In POCSO Trials To Prevent Witness Pressure: Delhi High Court To Trial Courts

The Delhi High Court has directed all trial courts in the national capital to ensure that testimony of witnesses already being examined should be recorded on day-to-day basis till its conclusion, in order to minimise the possibility of pressurising witnesses .Justice Girish Kathpalia said that the trial courts should also ensure that such trials should preferably be conducted on day-to-day basis. “….it is directed that copy of this judgment be sent to all Principal District and Sessions...

UAPA | Order Barring Disclosure Of Witness Statements Must Record Reasons For Each Witness: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court has clarified that an order passed under Section 44 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act barring disclosure of witness statements must separately consider materials relating to each witness and record reasons for its decision.The Division Bench of Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice P.V. Balakrishnan was considering a petition preferred under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita challenging orders passed by the Special Court for NIA...

Bombay High Court Seeks 'Blueprint' From Administration Over Recruitment Of 2863 Judicial Officers Against Newly Sanctioned Posts

The Bombay High Court has sought from its Administration a 'blue print' for recruitment of nearly 2800 judicial officers against the newly sanctioned posts by the Maharashtra Government for the State's lower judiciary. A division bench of Justice Bharati Dangre and Justice Sarang Kotwal emphasised that the State as well as the High Court on the Administrative side will have to act 'expeditiously' to aim its goal of 'speedy justice' for the citizens. "We are cautious that the...

Punjab & Haryana High Court Asks Centre To Expeditiously Clear Punjab Mental Health Act Rules

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has directed the Central Government to ensure that the approval process for Punjab Mental Health Act Rules is completed as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of six weeks. The Court further expected the State of Punjab to actively expedite and assist the Central Government in the approval process.A bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Chandigarh based Pushpanjali...